{"id":42274,"date":"2024-10-10T00:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T04:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=42274"},"modified":"2024-09-10T14:58:26","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T18:58:26","slug":"business-owner-who-do-you-work-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/business-owner-who-do-you-work-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Owner – Who Do You Work For?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are so many people that are better at business, more successful, probably better detailers than me that use this word regularly to describe their services.\u00a0 Some of these people are my heroes in the industry.\u00a0 My message is not meant to change or disrespect people who are on a positive path.\u00a0 Nevertheless, I believe passionately in this rant.\u00a0 I do sincerely hope the intent lands with people, who feel stagnant in business and are not attracting the types of clients that provide long term financial gain and also personal fulfillment.<\/p>\n

\"Not<\/p>\n

I remember being at a social gathering establishment several years ago, getting a concept of how different people viewed me a couple of years into ownership.\u00a0 I was greeted by a mutual acquaintance of a friend.\u00a0 During our conversation he found out I was the OWNER of a detailing business.\u00a0 He said, “you detail cars.\u00a0 I got some cars for you, (come on specified date).”\u00a0 After a (back and forth) mentioning a couple of times professionally there is a process to book with me like any other prospective client he responds with the statement, “oh you must not want to work.”<\/p>\n

I do not remember what I said afterwards to end this and all future conversations with this person, but when I hear the word ‘job’ this interaction often comes to mind.\u00a0 The rude and disrespectful element is important to mention, due to the underlying perception that we may be encouraging in the detailing industry.\u00a0 He looked at me as someone unemployed and desperate to find low skilled (gig) work to support myself.\u00a0 He looked down on me as a charity case and did not take seriously what I do as a real business.\u00a0 My concern for business owners, who also often run higher end operations, is that they refer to their service offerings and booking with clients as a JOB.\u00a0 ‘Hey guys, how can I get more jobs?’ I hear this question and wonder, why would you demean your responsibilities and the sacrifices you make being your own boss, with this language?\u00a0 Why would you take your own power away to acquiesce and attract more people who would not support your business?\u00a0 It also takes away from your RESPONSIBILITY as the SELF-EMPLOYED boss.<\/p>\n

When someone looked at your website (maybe) and called, when someone at the grocery store and inquired, or parking lot asking how much do you charge, did they also ask you to fill out an application?\u00a0 When they booked with you, did you have to fill out new hire paperwork.\u00a0 Do your taxes look like that of an employee or owner?\u00a0 Do you get worker compensation for injury on the job?\u00a0 Yet people who do not get to ‘clock out’ treat the service provided as an employment opportunity.\u00a0 I understand that to some people it is just language.\u00a0 But I truly believe language can affect mindset.\u00a0 Language can be used to manipulate.<\/p>\n

But the customer requested you do it and it should be this much!\u00a0 I find people who ask questions about tasks that they are NOT appropriately skilled for, that are dangerous, and generally are not in either party’s best interest, often use the term ‘job’.\u00a0 I find people who passively ask fellow business owners’ permission to charge certain prices for their own business, use the term ‘job’.\u00a0 “Hey guys how much should I charge?\u00a0 What’s fair?” \u00a0 “Hey guys how should I go about (something that will put me in the hospital).”\u00a0 You work for yourself.\u00a0 A service offering is not a job.\u00a0 Those people who manipulate you like to be experts until something goes wrong.<\/p>\n

I truly believe there is an even deeper benefit that comes from changing your mindset.\u00a0 Many experienced business owners have often been openly critical of those starting up who think too much like a detailer and not like a business owner.\u00a0 The way you speak to yourself can lead you to asking better questions about your day-to-day operations and long term goals.\u00a0 When you talk to yourself like a business owner your dialogue becomes productive.\u00a0 You plan advertising with a (big picture) mindset that is not about instant gratification.\u00a0 You are not frugal with investments and advertising that will make you prosperous while others wonder how they can ‘get jobs’ during the slow season.\u00a0 You set boundaries to protect your brand from people who do not have your best interest.<\/p>\n

The question on public forums that is frequently asked is our motivation for starting a detailing business.\u00a0 I have experienced working at jobs, being that dedicated employee.\u00a0 Where I experienced and seen the paradox of company values work against me.\u00a0 I am not the only one who knows of the most dedicated and unselfish employees being punished for their dedication while others are rewarded.\u00a0 Many of us have heard of the real-world difference between a job and career.\u00a0 But there is something worse than confusing the two.\u00a0 Getting or trying to get away from a job, starting a business to allow and consequentially treat your business like a job.<\/p>\n

Not getting paid for this or the outsourcing of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n